Doctor Quote by Will Schwalbe
““How does a doctor tell you that it’s over, that there are things they could do but probably shouldn’t, and that if your aim is quality of life and not quantity of life, there simply are no good next treatments?””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2022
Facing terminal illness, doctors must balance honest prognosis with respecting patient priorities, often limiting aggressive treatment.
In simple terms: Doctors must be honest about limits of care.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize quality over quantity.
Themes
mortality
ethics
patient autonomy
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
clinical
ethical
When to use this quote
- end‑of‑life planning
- hospital discussions
- family meetings
Key Concepts
palliative care
shared decision making
Questions to Reflect On
- How can clinicians better support patients' values?
- What role does hope play in these conversations?
A Different Perspective
Patients may struggle to accept limited options.
